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Futures Slip as Geopolitical Tensions Overshadow Strong Bank Earnings

  US stock futures edged lower as investors balanced upbeat bank earnings against rising geopolitical unease tied to escalating tensions involving Iran. Contracts tied to the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all traded in the red, signaling a cautious start to the trading day. Major banks delivered solid quarterly results, with strong trading revenue and resilient consumer activity helping lift sentiment in the financial sector. Yet the optimism was tempered by concerns that potential US responses to developments in Iran could inject fresh volatility into global markets. Energy prices climbed as traders braced for possible disruptions. The pullback comes at a moment when investors are already navigating a crowded landscape of economic data, inflation readings, and policy uncertainty. With markets on edge, even strong corporate performance wasn’t enough to counter the broader risk-off mood.

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Tourist Resorts in Indian-Controlled Kashmir Temporarily Closed Amid Rising Tensions

 

Authorities in Indian-controlled Kashmir have temporarily shut down 48 of the 87 government-authorized tourist resorts in the scenic Himalayan region. This decision follows a deadly attack near the resort town of Pahalgam, where gunmen killed 26 people, most of them Indian tourists.

The attack has heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to diplomatic measures such as visa cancellations, the recall of diplomats, and the suspension of a crucial water-sharing treaty. Pakistan has denied involvement in the attack, which was claimed by a previously unknown militant group.

The closures are a precautionary safety measure, but they have disrupted tourism in the region, which had been flourishing in recent years. Millions of visitors travel to Kashmir annually to experience its natural beauty, despite ongoing skirmishes between insurgents and government forces.

The situation remains tense, with cross-border firing reported along the Line of Control and increased security measures in place.

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